1. IoT − Overview
Internet of Things
IoT systems allow users to achieve deeper automation, analysis, and integration within a system.
They improve the reach of these areas and their accuracy. IoT utilizes existing and emerging
technology for sensing, networking, and robotics.
IoT exploits recent advances in software, falling hardware prices, and modern attitudes towards
technology. Its new and advanced elements bring major changes in the delivery of products,
goods, and services; and the social, economic, and political impact of those changes.
IoT − Key Features
The most important features of IoT include artificial intelligence, connectivity, sensors, active
engagement, and small device use. A brief review of these features is given below:

AI – IoT essentially makes virtually anything “smart”, meaning it enhances every aspect
of life with the power of data collection, artificial intelligence algorithms, and networks.
This can mean something as simple as enhancing your refrigerator and cabinets to detect
when milk and your favorite cereal run low, and to then place an order with your preferred
grocer.

Connectivity – New enabling technologies for networking, and specifically IoT
networking, mean networks are no longer exclusively tied to major providers. Networks
can exist on a much smaller and cheaper scale while still being practical. IoT creates
these small networks between its system devices.

Sensors – IoT loses its distinction without sensors. They act as defining instruments
which transform IoT from a standard passive network of devices into an active system
capable of real-world integration.

Active Engagement – Much of today's interaction with connected technology happens
through passive engagement. IoT introduces a new paradigm for active content, product,
or service engagement.

Small Devices – Devices, as predicted, have become smaller, cheaper, and more
powerful over time. IoT exploits purpose-built small devices to deliver its precision,
scalability, and versatility.
IoT − Advantages
The advantages of IoT span across every area of lifestyle and business. Here is a list of some of
the advantages that IoT has to offer:

Improved Customer Engagement – Current analytics suffer from blind-spots and
significant flaws in accuracy; and as noted, engagement remains passive. IoT completely
transforms this to achieve richer and more effective engagement with audiences.

Technology Optimization – The same technologies and data which improve the
customer experience also improve device use, and aid in more potent improvements to
technology. IoT unlocks a world of critical functional and field data.
1

Internet of Things

Reduced Waste – IoT makes areas of improvement clear. Current analytics give us
superficial insight, but IoT provides real-world information leading to more effective
management of resources.

Enhanced Data Collection – Modern data collection suffers from its limitations and its
design for passive use. IoT breaks it out of those spaces, and places it exactly where
humans really want to go to analyze our world. It allows an accurate picture of everything.
IoT − Disadvantages
Though IoT delivers an impressive set of benefits, it also presents a significant set of challenges.
Here is a list of some its major issues:

Security – IoT creates an ecosystem of constantly connected devices communicating
over networks. The system offers little control despite any security measures. This leaves
users exposed to various kinds of attackers.

Privacy – The sophistication of IoT provides substantial personal data in extreme detail
without the user's active participation.

Complexity – Some find IoT systems complicated in terms of design, deployment, and
maintenance given their use of multiple technologies and a large set of new enabling
technologies.

Flexibility – Many are concerned about the flexibility of an IoT system to integrate easily
with another. They worry about finding themselves with several conflicting or locked
systems.

Compliance – IoT, like any other technology in the realm of business, must comply with
regulations. Its complexity makes the issue of compliance seem incredibly challenging
when many consider standard software compliance a battle.
2